6 Best Basenji Breeders in Florida!

Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for Basenji breeders in Florida. The Basenji is a delightful, smart, and loyal little dog. Known as the “barkless dog” of Africa, Basenjis are small hunting dogs that need lots of exercise and training. These puppies provide excellent companionship and are great with families if they get the proper care.

While the Basenji is a great pet, it doesn’t have a huge fanbase just yet. Unlike more popular breeds, few certified Basenji breeders exist in the United States. Those looking for a well-bred Basenji might have to travel a little further than expected to find the perfect Basenji puppy.

However, there are several reputable breeders located in Florida. Here is a guide to the best Basenji breeders in Florida, as well as a few local Basenji rescues and recommendations on how to find a good breeder. If you’re not worried about the driving distance, we’ve included two national references for breeders and rescue Basenjis.

Before you scroll down this list of Basenji breeders in Florida, you can check out these other breeder recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Morkie Breeders in Florida and Akita Puppies in Florida For Sale.

Basenji Puppies For Sale in Florida

Our team at We Love Doodles compiled this list of the best Basenji breeders in Florida to help you find a compatible companion.

Basenji Product Recommendations: Best Automatic Dog Ball Launchers and Best No Shock Dog Training Collars.

1. Veramonte Kennels

Veramonte Kennels is one of the best Basenji breeders in the country and focuses exclusively on this one dog breed. They set a goal to stay true to the shape and functionality of the breed while raising happy, healthy Basenji puppies. If you’re looking for a classic puppy breeder, Veramonte Kennels is the way to go.

Because Basenji puppies aren’t in high demand, there aren’t many other options for full-service breeders in Florida. Veramonte is one of the best—they have listings of available litters on their website and a full list of their sires, dams, and a breeding schedule. Once you fill out an application, you can join the waitlist and prepare to bring your dog home.

The puppies from Veramonte Kennels are happy and healthy. They have been bred following breed standards, and the owners of Veramonte Kennels show dogs regularly. Whether looking for a household pet or a show dog, you will find the perfect Basenji puppies for sale in Florida at Veramonte Kennels.

Veramonte Kennels Details

• Location: Lake Mary, Florida
• Website: Veramonte Kennels
• Phone: (407) 414-2268
• Email: [email protected]

2. Orestes Rios

Orestes Rios doesn’t have a website for his dog breeding and operates everything out of his home. However, he has been named a Breeder of Merit for Basenjis, Beagles, Griffons, and Bulldogs since 2011. Rios breeds and shows dogs with distinction and has a special love for the unique Basenji breed. You can contact Rios to discover his breeding plans if you live near Ocala.

He doesn’t post about which dogs are due when, but he will give you information on when Basenji puppies are available. Although Orestes Rios doesn’t run an official kennel, contacting him will get you information on when puppies might be available and whether he’s selling at the moment. As a Breeder of Merit, he shows, breeds, and sells dogs for a living and will be happy to help you find the dog of your dreams.

Orestes Rios Details

• Location: Ocala, Florida
• Website: Orestes Rios’s Facebook
• Phone: (813) 732-7203
• Email: [email protected]

3. Camp Basenji

Camp Basenji has been celebrated as one of the world’s best Basenji rescues. Although it’s not an official Basenji breeder, Camp Basenji takes care of purebred and mixed Basenji dogs of all ages. Camp Basenji will take care of these dogs when owners are overwhelmed with care needs or when they need to rehome a puppy.

Because the breed needs extra training and lots of exercise, many families adopt Basenji dogs only to realize they can’t take care of them. This means the dogs are rehomed or sent to a shelter as purebred Basenji puppies. If you want a Basenji puppy but aren’t so picky about the exact age or litter, adopting a dog is an excellent way to help with overpopulation.

Of course, adopting a shelter Basenji isn’t just helping a shelter or a stressed-out family. You will be able to make a connection with some of the most wonderful dogs in the world and create a lifelong bond, just as you would with a breeder dog. Camp Basenji can introduce you to some of Florida’s most precious Basenji puppies if you’re trying to save money and you live near Orlando.

Camp Basenji Details

• Location: Seminole, Florida
• Website: Camp Basenji’s Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

4. Florida Basenji Rescue

While not an official breeder, Florida Basenji Rescue is an animal rescue and shelter organization focusing entirely on Basenji dogs. If you are looking for a dog in need and know you love the breed, finding a slightly older dog who needs a home might be perfect for you and your family.

Florida Basenji Rescue always has many dogs. Adopting from the Florida Basenji Rescue is a great option if you want to give a Basenji dog a good life after a hard few years. Rescues are much less expensive than adopting a breeder dog, making them an excellent option for families trying to save money.

While Florida Basenji Rescue mostly has older adult and senior dogs, they occasionally receive Basenji puppies. If you are only looking for a puppy, keep an eye on the website. They will list Basenjis, and Basenji mixes as young as three and four months old if they receive information on the puppy needing a home.

Florida Basenji Rescue Details

• Location: Florida
• Website: Florida Basenji Rescue

5. Basenji Club of America

For Floridians not worried about the driving distance, the Basenji Club of America has a complete list of Basenji breeders. Although there are not too many trusted breeders in Florida, dozens are nationwide. If you are willing to drive for your perfect dog, you can check out the website and find an expecting litter.

The Basenji Club of America is also great for general information on the breed. If you haven’t researched Basenjis before considering adoption, you should consider the amount of care, training, and mental stimulation these intelligent and active dogs need daily.

The Basenji Club of America can help potential owners ask questions and get answers. Each breeder on this list is trusted and vetted by the American Kennel Club. If you’re looking for a Basenji puppy and can’t wait, litters are available now in states outside Florida. However, you must fill out an application and discuss transportation with the breeder. Some breeders do not allow non-local adoptions so be sure you read the conditions of adoption carefully.

Basenji Club of America Details

• Location: National
• Website: Basenji Club of America

6. Basenji Rescue and Transport

Basenji Rescue and Transport is another rescue. However, this is a national group, so if you can’t find the dog you want at a local breeder or rescue, you can use Basenji Rescue and Transport to find a dog. With this service, you must fill out an application and look at the list of dogs needing homes. You can see how close they are to you and talk to the handler.

Each dog’s handler will tell you details about the dog, and you can decide whether they would be a good fit for your family. Basenji Rescue and Transport will meet you with the dog, so you don’t have to worry about driving thousands of miles to pick up your rescue puppy. Although most of the dogs on this website are adult Basenjis, they occasionally have a Basenji puppy needing a home.

Basenji Rescue and Transport Details

• Location: National
• Website: Basenji Rescue
• Email: Contact Form

Choosing a Good Basenji Breeder in Florida

Because Basenji puppies are hard to find, it might seem easiest to search for the nearest available dogs in your area and find them. However, with the ongoing issue of unethical puppy mills and unsafe breeders, it’s better to do your research on a breeder before you support them.

These are not the only Basenji breeders in Florida; they are all certified and safe. However, if you find a closer breeder and want to buy from them, ensure that you research them first.

Here are some things you can look for to ensure you buy a Basenji puppy from the best possible breeder:

• Ask for health records. If the breeder doesn’t offer official breeder records for the mother’s eyes, heart, and other tests, it’s probably not a great choice.
• Request a picture of the puppy or the mother (if you’re on a waitlist). This will ensure that the dogs actually exist if you find the breeder online.
• Research the company yourself. Look at Google reviews, the website, and the Facebook page. If none of those exist, don’t commit.
• Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You’ll likely be on a waiting list for a Basenji puppy, so get to know your breeder and ask questions about the breed as well as the kennel’s breeding practices.

Taking these steps can help you develop a good relationship with your breeder and prepare you for a Basenji puppy. Once you’ve filled out an application and been on the waitlist, you can bring home the perfect dog for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for a Basenji puppy or adult dog to add to your family, you probably have a lot of questions! Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions by We Love Doodles readers.

Is the Basenji a good family dog?

Basenjis were initially bred and used as hunting dogs, but their careers in the woods are largely over. Now, they make excellent family dogs. They’re smart, alert, and live for up to 13 years with proper care!

The Basenji is very loyal, and you’ll need to plan to socialize your dog in order to curb unwanted behavior. This socialization will give them the emotional tools they need to become wonderful companions.

Can Basenjis be left home alone?

Basenjis love to be near their humans, and you’re going to love being around your Basenji! It’s never a good idea to leave a dog alone for long, extended periods of time. However, the Basenji is relatively low-maintenance. If you have a job that keeps you away from home, you can leave your pup home for up to around eight hours.

Remember that a bored dog sometimes equals a destructive dog. Provide your Basenji with plenty of entertaining toys to keep him occupied, or consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to stop by while you’re away.

Are Basenjis easy to train?

In a word, no. The Basenji is a smart, stubborn, and willful little dog. He knows what you’re trying to teach him – he just doesn’t always want to comply!

If you’re not experienced with dogs, consider hiring a professional trainer to help you. Begin your puppy at an early age, too, to establish yourself as the pack leader. Your Basenji will be more inclined to obey your reasonable commands!

Conclusion For The “Best Basenji Breeders in Florida”

Basenji puppies are unique dogs with high energy levels and delightful personalities. Once you’ve found your perfect puppy through one of these Florida breeders, you won’t want to let them go. These cat-like, non-barking dogs will make their way into your home and your heart, and you’ll be glad you did the work to find the best Basenji breeders in Florida.

For more guides with mentions of the Basenji dog breed, you can check out:

• Basenji Poodle Mix Information, Facts, and Images
• Most Popular Dog Breeds in Nigeria
• Best Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell or Shed

Before you bring home a Basenji companion from a breeder in Florida, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “Should You Really Get a Basenji” down below: